FIGHTING fit Rhys McLeod says he and Ethiopia can wallop a swarm of star internationals in the strongest-ever Melbourne Cup tomorrow.

"Yeah, they all look pretty good. There's probably none you'd say can't win it but bring it on I say," said McLeod, the David to a host of Goliaths in the $6 million Cup.

McLeod, a prominent provincial jockey rather than big time player, takes on some of the world's most accomplished jockeys in the Cup, including seven internationals.

Ethiopia's trainer Pat Carey said there was never a temptation to dump McLeod for a more glamorous jockey.

"I'm very happy with the jockey and have been since day one," Carey said.

"Rhys is an important part of what I do. He rides to instructions. There's no second guessing. You put the fancy blokes on and you make your pre-race plans then suddenly they make an in-flight decision on their own.

"Rhys would walk over hot coals for you. That's the sort of bloke we want."

McLeod has since been shaping both mind and body in preparation for the ride of his life aboard Ethiopia, a giant striding stayer the jockey is convinced can topple the internationals, led by previous Cup winning French champions Dunaden and Americain.

"This horse has an aerobic capacity that's just unbelievable," he said. "If there's a negative it might be that this is just his eighth start but I really think he has a good shot at it."

McLeod has ridden in five previous Melbourne Cups; all longshots that finished out of the money.

Ethiopia is different, a well fancied local carrying the hopes of a racing and breeding industry that has been trampled in recent years by the international raiders.

"I'm a pretty laid back sort of bloke, nothing really bothers me," he said. "I know it's a big ride, and I've been thinking a lot about it, but I'd go out and ride it the same no matter whose hopes were resting on me."

McLeod, a fitness fanatic, says it takes a special type of physical and mental fitness to win a Melbourne Cup. He said he has been on a gym and diet odyssey from the moment Ethiopia was touted a possible Cup contender.

"I've really stepped it up; boxing, walking, special trainer, special diet. I feel absolutely fantastic. You can't win the Melbourne Cup by starving yourself at the last minute. I've given myself every chance.

"McLeod stunned most punters when he booted up on Ethiopia in the Cox Plate and led the field out of the straight the first time.

He said he planned to be less aggressive tomorrow but still push forward and attempt to slot in a little better than mid-field.